Virtual Running Buddies - Week of 2/29

[Natasha]

Happy Leap Year Day, everyone! :p

Not much to add since yesterday's post, but I thought I'd start us off regardless. How's everyone doing?

Actually, I'll copy over most of my notes from my last post here (with editing/updating) because I posted it latish last night.
---------------

Wow - crazy times here. Lots of things on the go and in flux - will provide details when I can - but one thing I do know about sure is that we're going back to Halifax on holiday this year!! A major airline had a huge one-day-only seat sale so when one of my colleagues told me about it I jumped at the chance to book. SO excited, though this will be much shorter and less far flung than last fall's adventure. I'm already concocting a Plan A and Plan B itinerary in my mind.

Les, how are you feeling today?

Susan, hope you enjoyed your run with the group! I didn't do the run club thing for many years either but when I did start was glad that I did. BTW, did I read that you're going to Banff? I'm sure you're excited about that. It's a gorgeous area. First time going to Alberta for you?

Sounds like both Kathys have been busy lately!

Carrie, good job on the run, and enjoy the ride today.

TKay, did you get your pedicure? What movies did you see?

Vicci, did your DH do the taxes? Mine did his for the most part but I still need to do mine. Maybe this weekend.

Seathyme, count me as another one impressed by your running determination!

Hi also to Legolas, Betsy, Eva, Mary, and the rest of the gang.

As mentioned yesterday, I'm going to run today. Seriously :)

[TKay]

Natasha - Thanks for starting us off. How exciting about your trip (both plans A and B) and the great deal on the tickets. How fun! I did get that pedicure and it was lovely. The movies will come this weekend when I can stop coughing.
Susan - Yes, let us know about the running group. I've never joined one, but every now and then I think about it. I've got that extreme introversion thing working against me.
Les - I've never taken Tamiflu. Let me know what you think of it and if it really works. I guess it's probably hard to say though.

Another day off for me. At least I'll be raring to go when I can finally kick this lingering cold and get back on the road. I'll be feeling great and then by nightfall, I'm achy and wiped out again.

Happy Friday everyone!

[SusanMac]

Happy Friday! Wow, this week has flown by fast.

I did run with the new group last night. We met at someone's house. There were about 12 people there....but half of them just came to eat & socialize, which I thought was funny (and a good sign actually). So, I ended up being the only girl running! Luckily, there was a guy my pace, so we ran for 70 min together. He's married to a really well known (to us anyway) ultra runner here. Super nice guy. He also did his first IM last Sept so we had a lot to chat about. The run was followed by wonderful taco bar dinner & lots of chatting. I'll probably run w/them again. It was odd, tho, b/c everyone else has clearly known each other for years and years.

Nat - I've never been to Nova Scotia, but hear it's wonderfully beautiful. Thx for kicking off the week

TKay - hope you're feeling good enough for your movie birthday weekend!

Howdy to everyone else. I'm having a good day at work, but hoping to wrap up early. We are going tonight to meet a potential new member of our household...a new cat (don't remember if I mentioned this little quest yet or not)

[SusanMac]

Woo hoo - just checking in to report a good spin on the bike trainer. My legs are a bit tired, so I guess yesterday's run was a bit faster than usual. (TKay - I just finished Stage 3 in San Jose, so I'm about half way through :-)

Happy Friday to everyone.

[Kathy B]

Natasha, Woo Hoo! I LOVE having a vacation to plan! When will you be taking your trip? Better bring your colleague a piece of chocolate or something!

Glad to hear you have your internship all set, Les, and that it is the one you were hoping for. It's great when those things all come together. Keep taking it easy and kick that flu bug.

Nice that there was another runner that you had things in common with, Susan. That should have made for an easier entry into the group. So how come the other half wasn't running?

Kathy, what a great time to take a trip to Miami! Have fun, (and I'll bet all the other snowbirds have pasty legs, too, so I wouldn't sweat it). :D

Belated Happy Birthday, Tkay! What movies are you planning to watch this weekend? Sounds very relaxing to me. Get better!

Carrie, I work in the Pediatric ICU. We have 27 beds, and the last few weeks, we have been full most of the time. As soon as a bed empties, someone fills it again. The really bad winter respiratory stuff is beginning to slow down, though, so maybe things will ease up soon. Glad to hear your legs are feeling OK again. Yea for a 5k!

Still pretty busy with work and family stuff, but I did get 3 TM sessions in this week, plus weights once. Next week looks to be just as busy, but I'll squeeze in what I can. Wishing everyone a good weekend! :)

[Leslie Ferguson]

Thanks for starting today Nat. Love the deal you made to get to Nova Scotia and I bet you'll make a couple killer itineraries. Happy Leap Day to you too!
TKay - I'm not sure about the Tamiflu but I did bounce quickly and was back at full speed in less than the 7-10 days the doctor said was the norm. I think it took about 4-5 days to run it's course which is how the doctor billed it in the ER. I'd say I'm no worse off for taking it and I didn't have any of the side effects they mention so I guess the short answer is - the best co-pay I've made in a long time. Enjoy your movies and I'm glad you had a good pedicure. Actually, running in a group isn't that bad - lots of my running partners for about 6 yeasrs were kind of introverts because our group was never THAT big (12-15 at it's biggest if I remember correctly). They make for great monotony breakers when you run long in training.
Susan - You rock with a run yesterday (even if it was faster than usual) and a spin today. Enjoy searching for your cat.
Kathy B - I'm happy that my internships have resolved and they both resolved in ways that seem to be good for me. Pediatric ICU - I'll be there this summer (Children's in DC has a big cardiac ward and ICU). Great job with 3 TM this past week too.

I've rested again but plan on getting out tomorrow for a run. Probably nothing too terribly long since it's been a while since I've run and a week ago I was really sick but I feel that much better and it's supposed to be a good day tomorrow.

Hope everyone has a good weekend and that the midwest folks don't get too whacked by the snow and bad weather.

Happy trails,
Les

[SusanMac]

Checking in to report a great spin on the bike trainer. That's 4 days in a row for me, which is quite good these days. I'd really like to get into a consistent rhythm. Not so worried about time.

It's a beautiful day out, so I should be running. But, it's warm enough that the sidewalks are quite icy (rather than snowy). So, I'm playing it safe. I have plans to run Sun a.m. w/a girlfriend, but we're expecting rain/sleet, so it might be another day in the basement for me.

We're off to a dinner party tonight w/some tri friends, 2 of which are training for Boston. Maybe they can get me pumped up to decide on a race schedule for the year.

Ciao!

[Natasha]

We've got some introverts (big surprise! ;)) in our running club but also some major extroverts. The thing in common, though, is that almost all of them are FAST for their age group. :eek:

Got in a run yesterday, a spin today, and lots of walks both days. We had snow yesterday but today is bright and sunny.

Kathy, great idea to give a little something (besides my sincere thanks, which I already did) to my colleague. I'll look for something appropriate. Pediatric ICU - wow. That must be both rewarding and trying, depending on the time and the situation. I've got even more respect for you now! Good job on the TM runs.

Susan, glad you enjoyed your run!

Les, did you get out for your run today?

TKay, smart to take it easy until you're 100% (which I hope is very SOON)!

Greetings to Seathyme, Betsy, Carrie, Legolas, Vicci, and everyone!

Off to have a light dinner and then head out with DH and my mom to see Juno. Have a good rest of weekend, everyone. Oh - totally OT, but we made the CL peanut butter pancakes for breakfast this morning. Yum. Great texture and just enough PB flavour for a breakfast food (as opposed to a dessert, where I like the PB flavour more pronounced).

Natasha

[Legolas]

Another one with a quick check-in - glad to see we seem to be on the mend as a group!

No runs to report, but I did register again for the relay I did last year. It's September 6th, so it gives me a reason to get back into the gym and onto the roads. Maybe there will be another 10k in there sometime as well. We'll see!

Have a good weekend!

[seathyme]

So Susan, a car and a cat in the same week. Hmm, what will be next? Cab, cap, can... I'm guessing you'll pass on a cad.:rolleyes: Good job with 4 days in a row. btw, what's up with this running group that doesn't run?? At least they like to eat!

KathyB, pediatric ICU must be really intense. Nice workouts in your week, too.

Les, belated congrats on the internship! That's excellent news. Glad you're feeling better, too.

Nat, I'm glad you found a speedy running group so they can keep up with you! Hope you like Juno -- we certainly did.

TKay, my introverted soul sister, that's the reason I haven't sought out a running group either. My running is a solitary pleasure. That and the fact that I'm kind of schedule-resistant. Hope you will soon feel truly better.

Hi Kathy/ktg! To answer your question of a few days ago, we are expecting to move in late May or possibly June. I think we'll be keeping our rental through June so we have time to do a couple of things in the house before moving in. It's quite exciting, except that I'm really sick of moving. This should be it for quite some time, though. How's Miami? I'd be thinking about my pasty legs too.:p But what a great chance to run in shorts!

As predicted by forecaster Susan, we've had wicked cold weather here followed by snow, and as of this afternoon another thaw. Hard to keep up with the changes out there... I've also been extremely busy, so the running has been piecemeal the last three days or so. Hope to put on some better mileage next week. Even so, last night I added up February miles, and my two-month total is.......................... 198.5! I'm glad I didn't figure this out earlier in the day since I would have tried to add a 1.5 mile run to an already overcommitted day.:p At any rate it's nice to have some credit in the bank, for the inevitable time when I miss a bunch for some reason.

Hi to Carrie, Eva, Legolas, Vicci, Meg, Megan and all da runnahs.:cool:

[Leslie Ferguson]

Hey Legolas glad to see you're out there and looking at a race to get kick-started on your spring.

Natasha - Snowy - oh, how I'd like just one more day of snow when I can get out. Running in the nice weather and spinning when it's snowing - I guess that's not too bad. The pancakes sound interesting - PB in pancakes wouldn't be my first choice but they sound interesting.

That was smart to not run today Susan with the streets/sidewalks potentially slick and icy. 4 days of spinning in a row? Just thinking about that makes my knees hurt.

seathyme - Congratulations on 200 miles in two months - that's a fantastic job. I've phoned in my goal to run 150 times this year -- being out of the game for week does that to you. Hope your day tomorrow isn't too weird with the weather that's blowing through.

Yes, I ran today. Felt weird but my legs are quite happy (which is surprising) and I'm not experiencing any tightness. Maybe a week off isn't such a bad thing. But I bet that I'll be a little tired for a while - but I have to keep my goal in mind, the half marathon in May. I hope you all are well this weekend and keeping warm and dry. I'm off to write a paper (hopefully) that's due on Thursday.

Happy trails all and see you tomorrow.
Les

[Natasha]

Wow, Seathyme, you mileage fiend, you! Fantastic job on your first two months of the year. You're too kind about finding a speedy group to keep up with me. I'm really quite mediocre compared to most of these guys though :)

Legolas, how fun about the relay!

Les, glad you got in your run. Hope the paper writing is going well.

Susan, congrats on the car and the cat. Seathyme, too funny about the cad! How about a cam...era? Does that count?

I was feeling a bit grumpy this morning before my run, and even halfway through, irritants were coming to mind that I felt the need to dwell on like stubborn mosquito bites. But then the Zen feeling took over and I calmed down and truly enjoyed myself. I got in 10 miles (just over 16k) or a bit more, so was very happy with that. :)

Have a great day, everyone!

[newsomz]

TKay & seathyme- I am with you on the extreme introversion thing. I always think I will join a group but then when the time comes I decide I just don't want to deal with a group..

Susan - Sounds like a fun group! I haven't gone on any of the bike clubs group rides because everyone seems so hard core. It is nice to have a relaxed running group :) Great job on the spins. Did you decide on a race?

KathyB - Great job on the TM sessions!

Legolas - I'm glad you have a race to look forward to!

seathyme - Great job on the past two months! My goal for this coming month is only about 50 mi :)

Les - Glad to hear your first run back went well! Good luck with the paper.

Natasha - How fun! Nova Scotia sounds like a blast. I'll look forward to hearing about your trip. And great job on the workouts! I hear you about being grumpy this morning! I had the same problem but luckily my run cleared that up.

So after a grumpy start, I got in 8k this morning. Friday was a short and sweet bike ride - good b/c I had dinner plans at 7:30pm. This week I'm planning on two more 5K & a 8K or 9K next weekend. Hello to everyone else! I hope you all had a great weekend.

[VictoriaL]

"Well, I knew there was a reason why I like this group" (said the fellow introvert...) :)

Nat obviously makes snap decisions-- I've come across situations similar to the one-day airline ticket sale and after I've weighed all options, discussed it with DH and anyone else who happens to be in my orbit that day, made a chart listing pros and cons, etc. I've lost the opportunity. :rolleyes: Nat, NS sounds lovely (DH has been there and describes it to me) so I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time. The pb pancakes-- wonder how they'd be with a handful of mini chocolate chips added to the batter?

..too funny about the cad! How about a cam...era?
If the rules allow "cam..era" then I shall add "cal...ifornia!" Susan can drive her new car there (road trip!), and make use of the camera, but the cat will have to stay at home since kitties do not particularly enjoy traveling... ;)


Les, a belated congrats on your preferred internship coming through. We all knew that it would, but to have the confirmation probably makes you happy (and a bit more relaxed). Great that you're mostly over the flu and were able to get out for a run. Isn't it wonderful to feel better after you've been down?

TKay, a belated happy birthday to you! This is what happens when I don't check in for a few days. Hope that all traces of your cold are gone and that you had a special weekend.

Susan the new group sounds promising. I avoid running with DH because he talks and I can barely manage replying let alone thinking of the answer, so I admire your holding your own in a conversation! And the new cat-- details, please (from a Cat Person).

KathyB what an amazing job you have! No wonder you are so "wiped" at times-- you need that TM action.

Legolas ...glad to see we seem to be on the mend... So that infers that you're feeling better, too-- yay! :)

seathyme Great mileage for the past 2 months! Are you running for me, too? Does your new home need much work? Or mostly cosmetic stuff?

Carrie, how do you measure your runs? I've always wondered just how far I run, instead just measuring length of run and heart-rate.

Well, this past week I had 3 EB sessions, 10 minutes each but increasingly more calories burned. My leg muscles are a bit sore from the unaccustomed use, but I don't care! :)

A friend stopped by last night with a case of beer and a huge pizza, so I should probably start 15-minute EB sessions this week...

Hope that you all had a nice weekend!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Paper... drowning me...

Congrats Vicci - 3 EB sessions. A pizza and beer, it would be worth 15-minute sessions on the EB for pizza and beer. ;) Sore leg muscles aren't a bad thing (just ask me after yesterday's run).

Good runs to Nat and Carrie - you're both my heroes these days.

Godd un-bury myself so I'll see you tomorrow. Maybe I'll spin for a little while to keep some sanity.

Happy trails,
Les

[newsomz]

Les - I hope the paper starts writing itself (if you know what I mean). To me the writing is the hardest but I *love* editing :)

Vicci - Great job on the EB! I measure my runs with Nike+.. I'm not sure it is 100% accurate but it is good enough for me! Hope you enjoyed the pizza and beer :)

Okay, I'm off to make a new running mix. I just downloaded some music and some of it will be good for syncing to the ipod.

-carrie

[SusanMac]

Happy Monday (grrrr ;-) Not ready for that!

You guys are too funny! We already have a camera. DH did, last week, say that I need a new computer. Of course, ever since saying that, I've noticed how slow my PC is. Argh! I do have a work trip to California next month. It's the week that our car is supposed to arrive, so DH has offered to drive out & meet me there :-)

The cat is a grey/black tiger tabby w/cute little white feet. I'll wait on posting pictures & his name, b/c he's not here yet. We pick him up on Sun, as we're going out of town this weekend. I'm super anxious to bring him home! But, we will spend this week shopping for scratching posts, beds, etc. Bode has offered to help pick out toys :-)

So, back to our designated topic....

I did get in a wonderful run yesterday! My legs were definitely sore (5 days of training in a row!), so am taking today as a rest day. It was just me & a girlfriend for an hour. I like her a bunch & enjoy running w/her, but she had her dog w/her again....off-lead. It was really stressing me out. (see Other Board thread about leashes!) About 2/3 of the way through I made her put him on leash. Much less stress after that.

Les - I'd bet your legs are happy to be running again

Carrie - I have my eye on a half IM in August. Still not sure about a big running race, other than some fun runs here & there.

Legolas - that relay race sounded *so* fun! Glad you're doing it again. It's nice to have a goal race that's far enough out to not cause immediate stress, but close enough to get you going.

Nat - the PB pancakes sound very intriguing! It's one of DH's favorite all-time ingredients in most anything

[TKay]

Happy Monday, VRBs.

Susan - Great job in making your legs sore. Mine haven't felt that way in a while. I can't wait to see pics of your new kitty! Ds wants a cat so badly, but I am allergic. When our last cat died, we vowed not to get another. It's hard to resist though.
Carrie - I've done very little in the way of running mixes. Sounds like a good way to stay motivated (in an introverted sort of way ;) ).
Les - Did you get in that spin? How's the sanity level? :p
Vicci - Good job on the EB sessions, from one introvert to another.
Natasha - Good job finding your zen while running. Endorphins are a wonderful thing.
Seathyme - For an introvert, you sure are getting out there! I'm so impressed with your 200 miles. Amazing. You keep going, girl. You're on a roll, er, run?
Legolas - Nice to hear from you. Don't be a stranger.

I got in another restful weekend--no runs to report. I probably could have done some exercise and not had a relapse, but chose to wait until today. I'm headed to the TM in a bit for an easy run. I'm not going to push it since I'm just now feeling back to normal (lingering congestion notwithstanding). We did get in our movie (Juno) this weekend and it was lovely. I also did a lot of reading and napping. Lucky me!

ETA: Got in an easy 40 minutes on the TM (which included some walking). Did some abs and stretches too. I feel good. The gym is refinishing floors this week, so I'm disappointed there'll be no yoga tomorrow. Wah. Gosh, could I actually do some on my own?

[Leslie Ferguson]

TKay - Glad you had a good and relaxing/restful weekend - after being sick along with both boys that's what you needed. Great going to get 40 minutes of treadmill in too - I bet that felt good after being off for a week or so. I bet you could do yoga all on your own - seeing that you know a lot of moves already.
Susan - I can understand why you'd be a little on edge with a dog off lead, even if you know them. 5 days straight - you need a day off too. Hope you got the most out of it.
Carrie - How did your running mix come out? Hopefully it will be something that helps you get through the cranky opening minutes of your run.

The paper is moving - not quickly but in fits and starts. And I'm with you Carrie, I like editing and the perfectionist in me (something I'm trying to get rid of mind you) wants the first draft to be the finished product. Oddly, my writing is hardest in the introduction, thesis formation, and outline. Once I'm through the beginning sections I normally fly through the paper. Hope it goes that well this time.

Back OT - I ran for an hour this afternoon. I couldn't pass up 70 degree weather with a light breeze. It was a little tough sledding to start with - my quads are a little unhappy right now. But considering I've only run twice in about 8 or 9 days that's not too hard to believe. I just hope I can get a couple more good runs under my belt - May 18th is coming down the pike and the half-marathon will be a challenge unless I can log some quality miles between now and then. Part of the reason I couldn't pass up a run today -- it's supposed to pour tomorrow and I'm working from 5 to 7 that may preclude running and getting cleaned up.

Off to the paper and more work - I hope all are well and surviving the next round of storms in the Midwest/Southeast.

Happy trails,
Les

[Natasha]

A friend stopped by last night with a case of beer and a huge pizza, so I should probably start 15-minute EB sessions this week...



So funny. Glad you enjoyed the pizza and beer!

TKay, we saw Juno too. We enjoyed it as well. Seathyme, you said you'd already seen it - anyone else here seen it?

Actually, I'm usually not one for snap decisions - I'm more the type who deliberates on purchases for a day or two (if not more!) before buying things, to see if I *really* want them. This was out of character for me ;)

Hi to Susan, Les, Kathy, Carrie, and everyone else! Gotta go - take care, all :)

[VictoriaL]

So who else, besides Les and myself, experienced a wonderful-weather day?! It hit 68, and I couldn't stand it-- I had to go outside! I tied a bag around my aircast and went for a lurch, er, walk. Spooky and I went down to the barn and back, I also hung out a load of laundry. Would have liked to go out for a run, too, but alas...

Sun, blue skies, warm breezes-- can spring be far away?!?! :D

And like Les, we are also expecting a lot of rain tomorrow (flood warnings and all, I'm glad that we live on a hill). I'm guessing that Susan and KathyB have already seen the storms that we will be experiencing.

Tkay, so glad that you had a good, restful Birthday Weekend!

Carrie, I cannot run unless I listen to music. It would be so fun to make my own mix someday!

Susan, remember, while shopping for cat toys, that they look like they could be so much fun but when it comes down to it, the fact is that most cats would rather play with a ping-pong ball, a thick rubber band knotted in the center, or a paper grocery bag. ;) Take it from someone who has had 10 cats and whose front hallway features a basket full of barely-used toys...

So funny. Glad you enjoyed the pizza and beer!
Nat, enjoyed isn't quite the word... ;) I'm glad that you could jump out of character for long enough to snag that airline deal!

[TKay]

[QUOTE=Leslie Ferguson;1351280]And I'm with you Carrie, I like editing and the perfectionist in me (something I'm trying to get rid of mind you) wants the first draft to be the finished product.QUOTE]

Unlike lots of modern writers out there, I use a yellow legal pad and write all my projects long-hand. The reason? I generally find my first draft to be the best. Isn't that funny? If I write directly on the computer, my first draft is lost to revisions. Hence, I lose my best piece right off the bat. So quirky we are.

Glad you got in that run, Les, protesting quads or not.

Vicci - Good for you getting down to the barn and back. Hope the weather is kind to you. Our temperature here was downright summer-like today. My oldest went to school in--gasp!--shorts.

[SusanMac]

Vicci - So glad you got to enjoy outdoors, even if you were hobbling. 10 cats!! Wow. I've only had a few. I think we have good genes in the family b/c they've all had very long lives :-) It's very cute that Spooky walks w/you.

Les - nice job on both the run & the paper. I'd bet the running helps w/the writing.

So, not only do we have lots of introverts, it seems we also have our share of perfectionists!

Today is simply gorgeous outside. I'm tempted to run, but so many sidewalks are still sketchy, so will probably spin. The good news is that I'm itchin' to workout. That's a good sign!

[TKay]

Susan - Yes, I think that's great that you're itchin to move. The workouts you get when you feel like that are usually the best.

I'm taking an off day. Well, I may do some yoga and stretching at home, but nothing too strenuous. Last night I felt some congestion settling in my chest and I want this crud gone--gone, I tell you! I'm going to hedge my bet and lay low.

[ktg0930]

Hello runners!

I've been a little bit of a lazy runner! I ran about 4.5 miles in Miami on Saturday, but haven't run since. It was a treat to run in shorts though! Sunday, I traveled home and was exhausted from my meeting, no sleep and flying. Yesterday was beautiful, but even that didn't get me motivated. And today it's raining. Oh well. By tomorrow I should be motivated again.

TKay -- I hope you get rid of the crud.

Susan and Natasha -- Speaking of introverts, I'm impressed with you and your running groups with the social activities. I don't know if it's an introvert thing or a self-confidence thing but I've never run in a group. It's probably a self-confidence thing in that I don't have a runner's build and I'm not very fast.

Vicci -- I'm glad you are making quick progress with getting back on your feet! I agree with you that cats ignore the cat toys. One of ours could play with a cardboard box all day, scratching it and jumping in and out of it.

Carrie -- are you enjoying your new playlists on your iPod?

Les -- good luck with your writing.

Seathyme -- great job with the mileage! It's nice that you can keep your rental for a little while to do some projects on the new house.

Kathy B -- you have a hard job, I think, in the pediatric ICU. Sick kids are hard to see, but I'm sure you make a big difference in their stay at the hospital. We didn't have peds where I did my pharmacy residency and the adults in ICU were always so sick.

Legolas -- good to see you and congrats for signing up for the relay.

Hi to anyone I missed!

I think the cold front is moving through now, as the wind and rain have really picked up. It was 70 yesterday and this morning and it's supposed to be in the 30s overnight and cold for the rest of the week.

Kathy

[seathyme]

Hi gang,

In the wake of all the introvert talk, I was very amused this morning when I headed out to run and there was the woman who lives upstairs (and owns the house we're renting). She was looping back to add a half mile onto her run, and suggested we run that bit together! So I said yes and we chatted and ran for a few minutes. It was pleasant, but honestly, I was relieved when she peeled off and I got my private time back.:D Did about 5.5 altogether. Now my legs are requesting yoga for tomorrow morning so that's what I intend to do.

Vicci, our amazing weather was the 45F I ran in this morning. May not sound like much, but to go out without hat or gloves or vest, etc, was fabulous! Now it's raining and we're rapidly exchanging snow for mud out there.

Welcome back Kathy/ktg!

Take it easy, TKay -- you're wise not to risk relapse.

Nat, I'm impressed with your weekend 16K!

Hi to everyone else, and happy trails.

[Kathy B]

Vicci and Les, sounds like you are having lovely spring weather. Enjoy! :) Hanging out a load of wash sounds great, as does a nice outdoor run. Hope the paper writing is progressing nicely.

Tkay, sorry to hear you are still battling the winter viral stuff! Laying low is probably wise if frustrating. Thank goodness for yoga, eh?

Kathy, glad you had a good trip and good weather. I hope the weather cooperates for you tomorrow so if you feel like running, you can!

Seathyme, I am really impressed with the way you keep racking up those 5-6 milers. I have no doubt you will achieve your goal. Way to go!

Susan, how fun to get a cat. My roommate had a cat in college, and though I am not really a cat person, I found that they do have quite a bit of personality, once you get to know them. Vicci is right about the paper bags, too. We would always throw our grocery sacks on the floor for the cat, because he loved to crawl in them and hide. :p

Natasha, it amazes me when people report such long runs outside in the winter. Great job! I have had that "zen feeling" a few times with running, and it is a great thing when it carries you through a longer run.

Think I am going to bow out for a few weeks until things slow down. Work is busy, the family is busy, and at the moment we have a relative with two small kidlets staying with us as well. I am still squeezing in TM time when I can, but I really need to focus on other things for a while.

Wishing you all good runs and improving weather! :D Carry on!

[newsomz]

Hi. Seems like everyone is keeping busy! I don't have much time to respond but I did want to report a 6K. It was a fast run and I had Lance congratulating me on my "personal record for a mile" :) Another fun feature of Nike+. Paula Radcliff congratulates you on your longest run... Also, I really enjoyed my new running mix. It was nice and uptempo which (along with an annoying day at work) contributed to my fast run. Okay, that is all for now. Happy trails!

[SusanMac]

I want Paula to congratulate me! Actually....I'm checking in to report a really good spin on the bike trainer, so maybe Lance would be more appropriate. Does it have other pros telling you to pick up the pace & quit eating all those Girl Scout cookies?? ;-)

Good to hear about everyone else's solo runs, group runs, motivating runs, yoga, school reports, cat stories, etc!

[TKay]

Does it have other pros telling you to pick up the pace & quit eating all those Girl Scout cookies?? ;-)

LOL. If it included that feature, I just might have to get the Nike+. Or, well, maybe not. I might feel I was being nagged all day. :p

[Leslie Ferguson]

Lance and Paula telling you that you've run faster or farther - I'd lvoe to hear that! :D

Drive by - it's been a busy night paper and all and now the rain is starting. I've got most of my data on paper now and will need to move things around - lots of stream of consciousness writing (it wasn't getting down any other way). Tomorrow, if the rain isn't too terrible and the tornado's stay away (there's a warning over night) I'll try to do a little Ultimate tomorrow - we've got a tournament in mid-April in Richmond. Of course, I might want to rethink that since I'm without a shower right now (there's a leak and they didn't do much to fix it - they didn't listen to me either because I knew how to fix it).

Have a good evening and I'll drop by tomorrow.

Happy trails,
Les

[TKay]

Quick pop-in for me. Got in 4 miles on the TM today, including a bit of walking. It felt good. I'm finding a little difficulty getting back into my routine. Gotta just do it without thinking. I'm always happy afterward.

Les - Stay safe tonight. I'll be thinking about you.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Thanks TKay I was fairly safe even if the field was really muddy. :D :D We played for about 90 minutes and I had a blast. Of course, being the klutz that I am as we're warming up just tossing the Frisbee around I decided to try to track the disc down and stubbed my toe on a big tuft of grass (the field hasn't been used since late November and the grass is quite cloddish - the geese don't help it much) - needless to say I pulled my best Calvin and went sliding on my right side after landing on my elbow and shoulder. Muddy galore and happy as a clam at the time. Then there's now... my shoulder is starting to get a little achy (I had to fall on my shoulder that has arthritis didn't I :rolleyes: ). I'll be okay but I've been better.

Almost done with my paper - finishing touches which is good because it's due tomorrow.

Have a good evening and a good remainder of the week.

Happy trails,
Les

[SusanMac]

Les - LOL! That's what they call weekend warriors. I guess it can happen even to very fit people, if you're changing sports. I've never played but it sounds like a blast.

TKay - So glad you're feeling better. This one has taken a while to shake.

Reporting another good bike spin yesterday. I'd like to sneak something in today, as well, but the schedule isn't looking good. We head out of town midday tomorrow for a birthday party. Must go buy birthday gift, and get the house ready for the big kitty homecoming on Sun!

[TKay]

Ouch, Les! I have to laugh at your description though. Too funny. I was just saying to dh this morning, "How old ARE we? It seems like I can't do anything without tweaking something or feeling it here or there. What is the deal?" Glad the paper's almost done.
Susan - Did Lance join your on your ride? "You're doing great, Susan. That's the way to keep up the tempo."

I'm taking an unscheduled rest day. I got in a bunch of work and I just feel like using the time for other things. Besides, I want to go a little long-ish with my run tomorrow, so I think I'll rest up.

Happy almost-Friday, Natasha, Elizabeth, Vicci, Meg, Seathyme, Legolas, KathyB, Carrie, Kathy/ktg and all the rest.

[Natasha]

TKay, I'm glad you are feeling better and are back to running. Enjoy your long-ish run tomorrow.

Les, sorry to hear about the fall. I fell too earlier this week - on black ice. Ouch. My poor neck. Just went to the chiro and I have a massage scheduled later tonight too.

Kathy, I know how it gets sometimes with life being hectic - and taking a BB break (or semi break) is not a bad thing from time to time either. Enjoy your (extended) family time and hope to see you back here before too long.

Seathyme, 45F - wow! Glad you enjoyed.

ktg, Miami sounds like it was fun :)

Got in a super run yesterday after work (which was good because after that we went out with a friend and enjoyed a special restaurant meal). Every month the restaurant features a different country and offers a menu and wines from that place. Good stuff. All the courses were delicious, and I had enough leftovers that that was my dinner tonight ;)

We had snow yesterday and looks like we will be supremely walloped with another one on the weekend. Is it really March? :eek:

Hi to Susan, Betsy, Carrie, Vicci, Legolas, Mary, Eva, and the rest of the gang.

Take care, everyone,
Natasha

[SusanMac]

Yea - the snow is staying in Canada & not hitting us! It's about time (I do love the snow, but it's nice to see it doesn't always start here)

Nat - that restaurant sounds so cool!

I've had a super long day, and some stressful meetings, so decided to take a rest day. This might not be a good decision b/c we're going out of town tomorrow, thus starting a string of additional rest days. But, so be it. :-)

[Natasha]

Yea - the snow is staying in Canada & not hitting us! It's about time (I do love the snow, but it's nice to see it doesn't always start here)

Hi Susan,

Yes, but apparently the storm system is coming up from Texas, so it's lucky you're going to be spared! ;)

Hope the out of town excursion is fun and allows you a chance to destress :)

[newsomz]

Susan - Can't wait to see the cat pics :) I love kitties. Glad to hear you're getting lots of good workouts lately.

Haha about the "nagging coach". Luckily, they only pipe up when you're doing good :)

TKay - Glad you're finally feeling better!

Les - Good job on the paper and working back into activity. Frisbee sounds like fun :)

ktg - Glad you enjoyed the nice weather!

Natasha - The dinner sounds fabulous. How fun! What country was it this month?

I got in a 5K today even though it was rainy! Luckily, I got my run in while it was just sprinkling and before it started coming down.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Ouch Nat I hope that you're ok and a chiro and massage sounds divine. I also like the sound of the restaurant - neat treat to have food from all over - almost like Jungle Jim's in Cincinnati. :D Yep it's March because it was 35 when I got up this morning and 65 by the afternoon and it's supposed to be cold tonight then rain Friday and Thunderstorms on Saturday - as they say, if you don't like the weather in NoVa then wait an hour, it will change. ;)

Susan - You're right, it's odd how even fit athletes get whacked doing new sports or getting started with them after a couple month's layoff.
TKay - Yep, I'm there today... certainly feel like 45 (or older). Glad youre feeling better too.
Carrie - Congrats on a slightly damp 5k today. It does feel good to get back to some semblance of reality and finish projects in school

But today was a rest day - not only because I turned in my paper that was due but because I was finishing research for the project due next week and smoothing one other project that's done for next week. That and I'm feeling a little stiffer today than yesterday and aspirin has become my friend. I hope the stiffness in my shoulder doesn't precipitate into something worse than it is and the knot goes away. I couldn't have spun (the position of the bike makes it difficult to ride, even if I don't put my hands on the bars) so I will rest my shoulder a little. However, ice and aspirin have been my friend tonight and I seem to be getting better now that I've shifted from Tylenol to aspirin.

See you all tomorrow and happy trails,
Les